PLAN B analog blog

I was recently asked, "Peter, what in the hell are all those stupid stamps all over the back 
of your modulesr"?

Those are certification stamps.  Proof that not only certain ciritcal operations took place, 
but that the module passed it requirement for each and by who performed the operation.   
We've been doing this since th fall of 2006 and it really helped in making sure that the 
modules were up to snuff when they leave the factory.  Matter of fact, our dealers have 
bene instructed not to accept product without them.

I've uploaded a picture into the MISC folder here with a legend - it's the last photo in that 
folder.

They are:

Peace Sign -  Assembled by Tim Johnston

Happy Face in square - Assembled by Paul Rothman

Ying/Yang:  Visually inspected by Peter Grenader

Sad face - Failed final test :(

Happy Face in circle - Passed final test :) - all funtions operational and calibrated  (this is 
performed by Peter).

If you module has a sad face...you will also see a happy face on it as well.  This means the module failed the first round at test, was reinspected, repaired,retested and passed that retest.  THe rder which this all takes place is:

1) Board level assembly

2) Board level test and calibration if applicable (Model 15, Model 14)

3) Final assemly - without knobs (installing the PCBA to the punched faceplate, installing faceplate hardware such as jacks, switches and pots, wiring any faceplate hardware and installing board-to board ribbon cables)

4) System level test and calibration.  All functions are tested with other modular gear here.  All trim pots are calibrated. All outputs are visually verified with an oscilloscope.

5) Final visual inspection.  This is where I have a close look for proper assembly and workmanship.  If it's good I stamp it and...

6) Installation of knobs and power cables.  This is the last thing we do.  Basically if there are modules sitting around without knobs we know they aren't ready to ship.  This saves us from having to turn them around to look at the stamp information - we can tell at a quick glance.

So there you go.  If you're modules don't have them - it's because they were delivered before  the program went into effect.  If they do have them, now you know what they mean!

- P